Top 5 games like Stardew Valley for iPhone and iPad
If any of you guys read my ramblings over on Pocket Gamer you might know how much of a fan I am of Stardew Valley. Hands-down, I'm not ashamed to say it's one of my favourite games in the world, but it's not on mobile. Wah.
That got me thinking – what options do we really have on mobile that might scratch that adorable farm-building, people-friending itch? No dead ringers just yet, but these five mobile games should satiate that need.
Castaway Paradise - download on iOS
Following the same vein as Animal Crossing, Castaway Paradise has you kicking off your own adventure on your very own tropical island. I mean, some people pay good money to get their own island, but you've stumbled upon it by chance. Lucky thing.
The idea is to build up your own house and those of the villagers around you by decorating them. You can also change your own look (even into a scurvy pirate), catch bugs, reel in fish, plant trees and flowers, harvest crops, and more.
If you want to earn some extra cheddar, you can also do quests for the villagers. With hundreds on offer, you won't be getting bored any time soon.
Hay Day - download on iOS
This is one of those magical apps that people from all different backgrounds play and interact with each other. Not too long ago Supercell released a video of them flying a particular group of players who were good friends through the game but had never met up to an actual farm. It was a heart-warming tale.
In the game you need to build up and customise your farm, keep an eye on your crops, raise animals, and bring your goods to trade once they're at their best. Sure, it's a typical farm game, but it's a good one that can make you feel more connected to your internet neighbour.
Farming Simulator 18 - download on iOS
Fine, it's a bit on the nose, but if you're looking for this sort of experience how could you not just give Farming Simulator a whack? It's the closest thing you'll get to farming without getting your hands dirty.
In it, you'll do all you can to take good care of your crops, livestock, feel the forest around you nice and tidy, and sell your products to grow your farm even larger.
For those of you who are also a bit machine nerdy, you've got a bunch of accurately replicated vehicles from 30 of the biggest industry names.
Harvest Moon: Light of Hope - download on iOS
You might have seen this adorable game crop up last week when it dropped out of nowhere. A bit similar to Castaway Paradise, you wash up on the shore of a harbour town after a terrible storm sunk the boat you were travelling on. Since the town's also had a serious hit, you're both in pretty rough shape.
After seeking out those remaining, you ask if you can stay and end up taking up a dilapidated farm on the outskirts. You just need to give it a little TLC to make it ship shape and ready for crops and animals. Aside from just helping yourself, it's up to you to help rebuild the town and attract more people to live in it.
While farming you'll also make friends, maybe fall in love, and as such make a family if you're lucky. Feeling warm and fuzzy yet?
Pocket Harvest - download on iOS
I'm sure you're familiar with Kairosoft games and Pocket Harvest is one of the better offerings. Having grown bored with your hum-drum life, it's time to move off to the coutry and work with nature's bounty.
Grow the very best crops you can by giving them lots of love (and soil, duh) and shape them into something that'll turn heads. You'll have the local producers all after your stuff in no time and that's the way we like it.
If you're feeling really keen you could throw tourism into the fray. If you build it, they will come… and they'll bring their city-dwelling cash with them too.
